Hard-working Borough Council staff and local volunteers have been praised by experts who have judged Coronation Park in Ormskirk to be among the best in the country.

The park's retained the Green Flag Award for the 12th successive year after undergoing a rigorous assessment by judges from Keep Britain Tidy, which co-ordinates the Green Flag Awards scheme.

The panel of experts were so impressed their rating put the park in the highest possible scoring bracket, placing it among the best of the best.

In their comments the judges said: "Coronation Park is a popular and well-loved local facility. The on-site Ranger is an extremely valuable asset for the Park and is a strong contribution to the success. There is evidence of strong working relationships with the Friends (of Coronation Park), other interest groups and the community."The judges praised the horticultural maintenance and environmental management of the park, and said the 'very active Friends Group/volunteers contribute widely'. Park users also told the panel they were happy with management of the park and the contribution made by the site-based ranger.

Another judge visited Beacon Country Park in a ‘secret shopper’ exercise and was also very impressed by what they saw, awarding the park Green Flag Award status for the 13th successive year.The Green Flag award scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country.

Council staff and local volunteers work hard all year round to ensure the parks are maintained to a high standard and are places that the public will enjoy visiting. The Council may consider putting forward other sites, including Tawd Valley Park, in future years.

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for Leisure, said: "I am delighted these two wonderful parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag status once again and to have Coronation Park in the highest possible scoring bracket is a wonderful accolade.”

Added Councillor Kev Wilkie, portfolio holder for Street Scene: “Receiving such recognition from national experts is a real tribute to hardworking Council staff and local volunteers who do a tremendous job of making our parks such fantastic places to visit."

For more information on West Lancashire parks and countryside sites please visitwww.westlancs.gov.uk/countryside.

Photo: Councillor Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for Leisure, and Councillor Kev Wilkie, portfolio holder for Street Scene, admire one of the flower beds in Coronation Park with Council staff and volunteers from the Friends of Coronation Park